Songwriter Job Description, Career as a Songwriter, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

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Basic Job Description

Songwriters often specialize in writing and composing music for one specific instrument or part of a song. They often work with a partner or in groups of 3 or 4 people with different talents to compile a piece of work to sell to an artist, record company or producer. Some songwriters work solely for specific artists or companies, while others work freelance and pitch their music compositions to whoever they can find. Some work simply by writing lyrics and depending on someone else to create the music and rhythm behind it, while others will create each detail to a song without the help of other artists.

Education and Training Requirements

Songwriters usually begin their career by getting a Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, or virtually any music related field. Most of them can play various instruments and have excellent understanding of how to read music. They are educated in a variety of musical styles and have an ear for what is used to make up different styles.

Getting the Job

Songwriters usually gain exposure in the music industry by freelance writing for various music publications. They use these writing opportunities to gain contacts and connections in the industry, and write music on the side. Once they have written pieces that they would like to see sold to an artist, they will pitch it to producers, artists or record labels they have become familiar with to see what they think and if they are willing to purchase the song from them.

Songwriters have begun to gain exposure by creating a personal website that puts their work on display and promotes their services. If a songwriter is already known by producers and artists, they can provide them the link to their website to use as a resource.

Anyone who is in the songwriting industry must have excellent communication skills and the ability to sell their work without getting intimidated by more well known people in the industry. They will be aggressive and use the competition to their advantage by contacting them for partnership opportunities or even using their experience as mentorship.

Aside from gaining resources, good songwriters possess plenty of talent and creativity. They are good writers and can explain to an artist exactly what they see as the result of a song. They can also communicate with artists to find out exactly what they are looking for and if any changes need to be done.

Job Prospects, Employment Outlook and Career Development

Once a songwriter has made connections and gained experience in the field, they can often be picked up by a particular artist or record company to write exclusively for them or their label. Many artists develop personal relationships with their songwriters so they can get a feel on a personal and professional level for what the artist wants in their music.

Employment for a career in songwriting is not necessarily on the rise or diminishing. There are many aspiring songwriters who are not qualified or who do not have what an artist is looking for. If a songwriter stands out from the rest and knows how to sell their music, they will succeed regardless of the demand.

Songwriters usually start off working freelance, but once they get big, can get picked up by a record label to write for them. For many songwriters, their biggest goal is to land in this position.

Working Conditions and Environment

Most songwriters are freelance writers who work out of their home writing and trying to gain new resources and contacts. They will spend long hours in front of their computer compiling music, using technology to blend pieces together, and even play the music on the instruments themselves to get a feel for how it is supposed to sound.

When songwriters are not cooped up writing, they are selling their work by attending music conferences and talking to record producers, setting up meetings with individual artists, and looking for artists or labels who are advertising the need for music.

Salary and Benefits

The average salary of a songwriter is about $43,000 per year. Salaries are extremely variable in this field, as someone who works freelance will often make much less than someone who works exclusively for a record label. Freelance songwriters also have potential to make an excellent income, as they may have several artists they create music for who pay them a substantial amount of money per song.

Freelancers do not work as a full-time employee for one specific company, so they are usually responsible for paying for their own individual health insurance and working vacations and sick time around client needs. Writers who work exclusively for a record label often receive benefits through their employer.

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this is a good website thanks for helping me by giving me facts about songwriting

about 6 years ago

My name is Brandon. I'm 15 years old and I would like to share my raps with the world.

over 1 year ago

Lora

I'm fifteen and I've been writing songs since I was seven. But I don't make any money off of it, even though I have around 300 songs written. Maybe if I take songwriting commissions, or sell songs/ intellectual property, I'll earn money. Right..?

almost 2 years ago

I really wish I could write songs, I will be playing outside and it comes to me when I get inside I forget everything! :(

almost 6 years ago

Meagan Wedge

My name is meagan and i am 14 and i love music and the feelings it gives me when ever i play but i dont know how to share it out to the world i also right poems too

almost 6 years ago

Rebecca McIntosh

Im 15, ive never had guitar lessons but enjoy playing both piano and guitar, i sing unconfidently and also currently righting a song x

about 4 years ago

I would also wish to know how to wrap a sandwich. I have been struggling these past couple of days with my hands due to the wrap making my hand get a cramp, it hurts...so much .. but anyway.... thanks for your time ;)

about 8 years ago

amod mishra

i am poet and songwriter. and now i want publish my things. so please give me information.

about 4 years ago

anyone know how to kill a bitchy teacher?

about 7 years ago

I want to get my things out there how do I do it. I love music and have a strong passion for it give me more advice please. I'd appreciate it

about 6 years ago

DOOKIE

over 6 years ago

I am a 13,and i love to write music but how do i get my stuff out there so people can here me .

almost 4 years ago

Hello my name is Cristian, I am 18 years old and am writing music I have friends who are making personal beats,I also have a beginners studio set p at home. I live an hour away from Panama City, FL. Can you please email me back. I am trying to make a bigger move, my dream is to become a songwriter.

about 8 years ago

i am new songwriter and poet.amd now i want publish my things

almost 4 years ago

blindguy

did you see that

about 4 years ago

What are the required skills and knowledge to become a songwriter.

about 4 years ago

so today I went shopping and I saw my future goal...the bread aisle.I knew that this was the right time to do what I love....WRAP!!!!

I brought the garlic wraps and thatwas it, my life complete BUT I just don't know how to wrap. PLEASE someone help me, this poor soul, learn to wrap a sandwhich!!many thanks,Ellie Ward

over 4 years ago

My name is Loyal I am 14 going on 15 and i am a singer i wanna know how i can become a songwriter please email me at loyalwest64@gmail.com thank you

have so much fame, I'm richer than Bruce Wayne, my life is so great, I just can't keep a date, but it's not enough for me, to be queen of country, I need more love and acclaim, because I am insane, I'll make pop music, that's trite, bland and useless, and use my dumb blonde cuteness, to expand my fan base to a bigger size.